Definition of deceptivenext
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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deceptive Two senators are calling on federal regulators to investigate prediction market platform Polymarket following an investigation alleging the company used deceptive marketing tactics to attract users. Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026 Despite criticism over opaque and deceptive practices, prediction markets’ election favorites won most of the time, a Washington Post analysis found; more liquid in betting markets improves their accuracy, economists told CNN, but could carry negative social costs. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Still, analysts say Bolivia’s current calm may prove deceptive. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 Amendment 3 is loaded with misleading and deceptive language, like a scam artist’s promise to triple your money overnight. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceptive
Adjective
  • Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee released a report this week criticizing the president and Freedom 250, accusing it of diverting funds and misleading sponsors.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • All three Republican candidates apparently hired the same signature gathering firm to collect signatures, many of which appear to have been fraudulent.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
  • However, because agentic systems can execute actions independently, an error can become a severe operational failure, such as authorizing fraudulent transactions or deleting mission-critical databases.
    Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Opponents of Amendment 5 have flatly called the advertisement misleading or false.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Italian-style grotto is a shady spot to visit on sunny days, with trees sheltering the pool and fountain.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
  • This woodland native grows in USDA Zones 6-9 and is best suited to shadier areas of the landscape.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Better known among seasoned riders as the Triple Nickel, the route makes for one of the most crooked roads in the Midwest, if not the country.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • There’ll be something else to keep the crooked numbers away, don’t worry.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceptive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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